Origin of Estep Surname
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Comments by Karlton Douglas -- kbd@bright.net:
"I just thought I would share with you some of my findings of the name. Below is an inquiry I recently made and was directed to this page. It 'appears' to me that the name is Anglo-Saxon from the genealogical record, unless we can make a solid connection genealogically across the English channel.
"Greg,
You sent me some good info awhile back, thanks again. I just wanted to ask you about something I found recently, I was pretty convinced at the name ESTEP being Spanish, but now I think it is very likely an Anglo-Saxon name originally. Looking at the LDS website on the ESTEP family their are two lines, that moving backwards go from ESTEP to EASTOP, or EASTHOPE. Surname origin searches show that EAST is an Anglo-Saxon name originating in Essex. Essex included what was called Middlesex, this is where the first ancestor in this line appeared, and seems more than likely he would be Anglo-Saxon unless there is something stronger to tie him to Spain -- is there any record you know of that gives this line an across the ocean link, or is it just speculation?..."----------
"Easthope is a parish which straddles Wenlock Edge some 5 miles south-west of Much Wenlock. The village of Easthope is on the south-facing slopes of the Edge. The church, which is dedicated to St. Peter, stands on the outskirts of the village surrounded by a sort of ha-ha. I found it to be a rather pretty, ivy-clad church, although others have not been so kind in their comments. The church has 12th-century origins, although it was mainly rebuilt after a fire. It is a peaceful spot, although ghosts are said to abound, for it has been the scene of violence in the past. In 1333, a previous incumbent, Will Germston, murdered John Easthope whose spirit is said to haunt the place. Also buried in the churchyard are two monks who killed each other in a drunken fight. - The presence of monks reminds us that Easthope was a cell for monks from Wenlock Priory."
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Sent by Adam Estep, 13 Dec 2010:
"I also know where the name first appeared in Eurasia-Saxony-Italy-Spain-Europe (Wales), and then America. Ancient Estep's were from the Steppe Nomads in the land of Scythia and were Sarmatia warriors that eventually migrated to Saxony after the Romans defeated their lands. The Romans assimilated the warriors specifically the Sarmatia Knights into the Roman Military machine and General Este eventually emerged and he conquered the Moorish Town of Astepa. The names were merged and out came Estep.
I have verifiable information of antiquity and can present sure evidence. I also can do the same from General Este and into Duke Robert Estep in Wales. The mystery to me is the interim between the times and regions. I have a lot of great information but I am still researching to be sure and currently offer no input at this time, but will when I am sure."